How To Stay Safe During "The Big Chill"

With temperatures expected to be as low as -27 with wind chill Tuesday morning, and the potential for power outages to occur, the Emergency Services Departments for the City have been actively working to disseminate information as well as prepare for potential secondary hazards that may occur.

"Warming Centers" have been placed on stand-by in Bridgeport and throughout Harrison County for any residents who lose power and need a warm place to stay. If you find yourself without power and need a temporary “warming center”, then please call 9-1-1 so that the City’s emergency services personnel can address your need and direct you to the nearest warming center.

Bridgeport residents are asked to look out after each other. Extreme cold is specifically dangerous for the elderly, the very young, and animals. Please pay special attention to these populations. If power goes out, please check on your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are safe. With temperatures as low as is expected, simply "bundling up" will not suffice. Folks and animals need to be in a warm place if at all possible.

Preparedness experts at Ready.gov have provided the following recommendations to help you make safe decisions during winter storms and extreme cold:

During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

· Stay indoors during the storm.

· Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.

· Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

· Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

· Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious. Get medical help as soon as possible.

· Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts.

· Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

· If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

· Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

· Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

· If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

· Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

· Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

· Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

· Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

· Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

· Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply.

· Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

· If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.

· Leave the car and proceed on foot - if necessary - once the blizzard passes.